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  1. News

New drum gear of the month: review round-up (December 2013)

By The MusicRadar team
published 2 December 2013

Percussion, snares, a kit and more from November

Natal Classic Series Congas
The return of Natal's fibreglass conga (left)

Natal Classic Series Congas

Every month our sister publication Rhythm - the UK's best-selling drum magazine - reviews the latest drum, cymbal and percussion gear.

In this gallery we've gathered all of the cymbals, drum kits, electronic drums, percussion and any other drum gear reviews posted on MusicRadar throughout November.

All the equipment on show here was originally reviewed in Rhythm magazine issue 222, or by MusicRadar's own reviews team. First up, Natal's Classic Series Congas...

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A welcome return for these much-loved fibreglass congas."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Natal Classic Series Congas review

(Reviewed in Rhythm 222)

BUY: Natal Classic Series Congas currently available from:
US: Full Compass

Page 1 of 8
Page 1 of 8
Premier Nicko Sicko snare
One of two new Nicko McBrain signature models (left)

Premier Nicko Sicko snare

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Using native sycamore instead of American maple is a refreshing change and overall this is a brilliantly built snare."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Premier Nicko Sicko snare review

(Reviewed in Rhythm 222)

Page 2 of 8
Page 2 of 8
Mapex Black Panther Widow Kit
None more black drum kit

Mapex Black Panther Widow Kit

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Drums have to be special to join Mapex's Black Panther range and the Black Widow kit definitely fulfils the entry requirements."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mapex Black Panther Widow Kit review

(Reviewed in Rhythm 222)

BUY: Mapex Black Panther Widow Kit currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann

Page 3 of 8
Page 3 of 8
Gibraltar G-Class Pedal
Ground-up redesign ushers in the next generation of Gibraltar pedals

Gibraltar G-Class Pedal

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Gibraltar's G-Class pedal is an ambitious addition to the market. Its strong visual aesthetics are complemented by straightforward operation and a cracking performance."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Gibraltar G-Class Pedal review

(Reviewed in Rhythm 222)

BUY: Gibraltar G-Class Pedal currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann

Page 4 of 8
Page 4 of 8
Natal Large Cajon
Affordable noise-box percussion

Natal Large Cajon

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A decent sized and deep sounding budget cajon."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Natal Large Cajon review

(Reviewed in Rhythm 222)

Page 5 of 8
Page 5 of 8
Meinl Laptop Table
Keeping drummers' laptops safe

Meinl Laptop Table

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Meinl hasn't skimped on quality here, and that is reflected in its hefty price tag."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Meinl Laptop Table review

(Reviewed in Rhythm 222)

Page 6 of 8
Page 6 of 8
Premier Aces High snare
Nicko McBrain's anniversary present (right)

Premier Aces High snare

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The Aces High is superbly hand-built in the UK with exceptional attention to detail."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Premier Aces High snare review

(Reviewed in Rhythm 222)

Page 7 of 8
Page 7 of 8
Natal NSTC Cowbells
More cowbell for less money

Natal NSTC Cowbells

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Two clean toned, good looking cowbells."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Natal NSTC Cowbells review

(Reviewed in Rhythm 222)

Page 8 of 8
Page 8 of 8
The MusicRadar team
The MusicRadar team
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